How to Make Sure Identity Theft Doesn’t Drain Your Bank Account

7 Aug , 2015

Identity theft is rampant these days. Anyone with a computer and enough gall can accomplish it, regardless of their intellectual prowess, and so bank accounts are being ruptured – and drained – with alarming regularity, but it is preventable with such services as LifeLock or Identity Guard.

Be Aware of Identity Theft: From the Moment of Inquiry

The next time someone asks you for your phone number, full name, or financial information, stop and ask yourself why do they need to know this? Then, stop and ask the person inquiring – why do you need to know this?

Identity thieves ask for important information, knowing that more often than not they will get a thoughtless, automatic response. So be vigilant about who you hand that information out to, and you might save yourself a lot of trouble.

Keep an Eye On Your Snail Mail, Without a Doubt

One method of identity theft is to take mail directly out of a mailbox. Don’t make it easy for them. Always drop your mail off at the post office instead of leaving it in your mailbox, and when you go on vacation, make sure you have your mail held instead of letting it pile up for thieves to take.

Don’t leave bills lying around where anyone can see them, and keep your personal information, such as credit cards, stored away safely.

Best of All, Watch the Internet, Because the Internet Watches You!

Most identity theft occurs online. Be smart about online financial transactions. Install firewalls and make sure the sites you’re spending money on are secure sites. Use creative passwords – random sequences of letters and numbers work best – and don’t give your financial information to just anyone

It’s hard to stop a criminal once they set their mind to committing a crime. But you can make yourself less likely to be a victim, and safeguard your financial well-being, credit history, and identity by being vigilant with the ultimate identity protection. As a result, you end up making sure you’re the only one spending your money.